The only two-part episode ofStar Trek: The Original Seriescreated aStar Trektrope that’s been used in some of the franchise’s best episodes.TOSseason 1, episodes 15 and 16, “The Menagerie,” sees Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) defy Starfleet’s General Order 7, which dictates no Starfleet ship may go to Talos IV under penalty of death, to saveCaptain Christopher Pike(Sean Kenney). Spock lies to Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley), falsifies orders from Starbase 11, and confesses to mutiny before turning himself in.
Spock’s subsequent court-martial used footage from the firstStar Trekpilot, “The Cage,” as evidence in the proceedings, because"The Menagerie" was written as a cost-saving measure forTOS.In-universe,the chopped-up version of “The Cage” serves to explain why Spock would risk his life for Captain Pike(Jeffrey Hunter). The trial and video are actually projected by the Talosian into Kirk’s mind as a distraction, so Spock can get Pike to Talos IV. While Spock’s trial isn’t real, the format proved popular enough that laterStar Trekshowswould expand the courtroom drama genre.
“The Menagerie” Created Star Trek’s Courtroom Drama Trope
The Trappings Of Starfleet Trials Are A Backdrop For Bigger Star Trek Stories
WhileThe Original Series' “The Menagerie” created the franchise’s courtroom drama,Star Trek’s return to the courtroom inTOSseason 1, episode 20, “Court Martial,” established the trappings of a proper Starfleet hearing, when Kirk becomes the first Starfleet captain to face a court-martial. Starfleet Command’s panel of judges, Starfleet dress uniforms, and the lighted device that witnesses swear upon in a secular future, have all become staples ofStar Trek’s courtroom episodes. Even the prosecutor being well-known to the defendant comes fromTOS,with Kirk’s old friend Areel Shaw (Joan Marshall) competently arguing against Kirk’s defense.
Like in the relevant TOS episodes, Star Trek effectively uses the courtroom as a backdrop to explore the morals and motives of characters.
All the physical elements of a 23rd-century Starfleet courtroom came back inStar Trek: Strange New Worldsseason 2, episode 2, “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” now updated with modern production standards.Star Trek: The Next Generationestablished equivalent 24th-century proceedings in season 2, episode 9, “The Measure of A Man.” But predicting new technology and proving humanity has advanced beyond conflict of interest are only small parts ofStar Treklegal dramas. Like in the relevantTOSepisodes,Star Trekeffectively uses the courtroom as a backdrop to explore the morals and motives of characters.
Star Trek Courtroom Dramas Are Consistently Great
Star Trek’s Courtroom Episodes Reveal The Franchise’s Moral Code
Star Trek’s courtroom drama episodes are consistently some of the greatest the franchise has to offer.The Next Generationespecially thrives on legal drama; in fact,TNGopens and closes with Q (John de Lancie) putting Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) on trial for humanity’s right to live. Additionally, Lieutenant Commander Data’s (Brent Spiner) trial in “The Measure of A Man” is one ofStar Trek: The Next Generation’s best episodes, acclaimed for interrogating Data’s personhood. AndStar Trek: Voyager’s “Death Wish” invertsTNG’s opening, asking whether a Q named Quinn (Gerrit Graham) has the right to die.
Star Trek: The Original Seriesseason 1, episodes 15 & 16
8.2 / 8.1
7.4
6.9
9.1
8.4
7.8
7.1
7.5
“Rules of Engagement”
7.3
Star Trek: Voyagerseason 2, episode 18
8.3
Star Trek: Voyagerseason 7, episode 19
7.9
Star Trek: Enterpriseseason 2, episode 19
7.6
Star Trek: Strange New Worldsseason 2, episode 2
8.5
I believeStar Trekcourtroom episodes are so excellent because these storylines show usStar Trek’s moral center through the characters who are on trial. Even when we know they are guilty, like Spock in “The Menagerie,” Commander Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn) in “Ad Astra Per Aspera,” or even Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) inTNG’s “The First Duty”,trials put pressure onStar Trekcharacters to stand up for what they believe in.While Starfleet searches for the facts to determine a verdict, we’re treated to stirring confessionals and explanations aboutwhycharacters' moral codes align with their transgressions.
Why Star Trek Is So Good At Courtroom Drama Episodes
Courtroom Dramas Explain Why Star Trek’s Progressive Ideals Matter
Star Trekis so good at courtroom drama episodes because the concept naturally allows characters to argue in favor of the best parts ofGene Roddenberry’sStar Trekvision, where everyone deserves truth, dignity, and respect. InTOS, “The Menagerie” proves Pike’s dignity outweighs Spock’s career, and “Court Martial” proves the value of human (and Vulcan) testimonies against the apparent infallibility of the USS Enterprise’s computer. LaterStar Trekcourtroom episodes consistently prove thatallpeople are worthy of respect and consideration, whether they’re androids, holograms, human Augments, genetically enhanced Illyrians, or descended from former Federation enemies.
Strange New Worlds Delivers A Courtroom Episode As Classic As Star Trek TNG
Strange New Worlds season 2 episode 2 is a classic Star Trek courtroom drama, on par with one of the best episodes of The Next Generation.
Courtroom episodes provide the perfect platform to letStar Trekdo what it does best, using science fiction as social commentary.Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Cardassian trials mimic real-world corruption by foregoing due process entirely and serving harsh punishments that exceed crimes. Even Federation law isn’t exempt from bias; smart characters likeStrange New Worlds' Neera Ketoul (Yetide Badaki) point out that something can be legal without being moral. Courtroom dramas are easily some ofStar Trek’s best episodes, and might never have happened if not for the need to reuseStar Trek: The Original Series' failed pilot.
